I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate death of my HP-25C. I will continue to attempt to bring him back to life, however, but until that happens (or if I can't fix it), I need a new calculator. Previously, I had been using my trusty and well worn Casio fx-65 or my TI-83+. After my rather brief accquaintance with the wonderful world of RPN, I find these calculators clumsy, poorly designed, and slow. Also, after an experiance with the crystal clarity of the LED display on my 25C, I find myself straining to read the liquid crystal displays on my other calculators. I would like everyone's suggestions on the best calculator for me, based on what I like:
1. It MUST have RPN!
2. It MUST have an LED display (I don't care that it eats batteries)
3. I need all of the scientific functions provided by the 25
4. I like the form factor and the keypad of the 25C.
5. I have very little money - I need a calculator that I can afford on a high school student's income (roughly $0 a week minus gas money)
6. Squarish, 70's style casing and heavy are also a plus. I really love the sturdy, built to be able to run after a nuclear detonation feel of the 25, and I like a heavy calulator (don't ask why, it's hard to explain. I also like heavy phone recievers, I took mine apart and added weight. I think I just like the solid feel)
7. Programmability and a continuous memory are also important to me. I had a program (very simple, I know) that took the y register and took it to the x register root that I used daily. (i.e. y^(1/x))
8. RPN and intimidating numbers of buttons are also a plus. I loved being asked "Can I borrow your calculator" then, after handing it to them, getting it back a minute later with "I can't figure out how to work it, I'll just do it on paper" I never had to worry about someone borrowing my calculator when I needed to use it.
9. It MUST have plastic buttons!!! I HATE rubber buttons. I used to have a cheapie TI scientific (I think I got it at a yard sale for a buck) that survived a whole week with me before getting hurled against the wall. I could never get anything to register! Surprisingly, it still worked, with only a small scratch on the corner. I think I gave it to the next person that asked "Can I borrow your calculator?"
10. Another calculator that uses woodstock battery packs would be a big plus, as I have found a battery pack and charger now, but I don't have a working calculator.
Any ideas/suggestions on what HP would be a good choice for my uses would greatly be appreciated. I don't want to spend a minto on a new calculator, but I hope to find one cheaply seeming as though physical condidtion is not that important. Missing labels/worn off logos don't matter to me. Actually, finding another HP-25C that works only with a bad case/keyboard/LED display would be fine, because those all should still work on mine, and I can combine parts. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Ian Primus
ian_primus@yahoo.com